Co-Occurrence of Addictive Behaviours: Personality Factors Related to Substance Use, Gambling and Computer Gaming

Abstract

Aim: To investigate co-occurrence and shared personality characteristics of problematic computer gaming, problematic gambling and substance use. Methods: Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 2,553 German students aged 12–25 years. Self-report measures of substance use (alcohol, tobacco and cannabis), problematic gambling (South Oaks Gambling Screen – Revised for Adolescents, SOGS-RA), problematic computer gaming (Video Game Dependency Scale, KFN-CSAS-II), and of twelve different personality characteristics were obtained. Results: Analyses revealed positive correlations between tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use and a smaller positive correlation between problematic gambling and problematic computer gaming. Problematic computer gaming co-occurred only with cannabis use, whereas problematic gambling was associated with all three types of substance use. Multivariate multilevel analyses showed differential patterns of personality characteristics. High impulsivity was the only personality characteristic associated with all five addictive behaviours. Depression and extraversion were specific to substance users. Four personality characteristics were specifically associated with problematic computer gaming: irritability/aggression, social anxiety, ADHD, and low self-esteem. Conclusions: Problematic gamblers seem to be more similar to substance users than problematic computer gamers. From a personality perspective, results correspond to the inclusion of gambling in the same DSM-V category as substance use and question a one-to-one proceeding for computer gaming.

Gambling and Video Game Playing Among Youth

“…The results suggest that gamblers were more likely than non-gamblers to play video games and that video game players were more likely than non-players to gamble. These results are in line with previous findings that correlate problematic video game playing with gambling (Walther et al, 2012), but contradict other findings (Forrest et al, 2016;King et al, 2012). Although Forrest et al (2016) found that video gaming frequency did not correlate significantly with the frequency of gambling for money, they studied a population of video game players, whereas we investigated the gambling and video game habits among a general sample of college students.…”

“…On the basis of earlier findings of high levels of both gambling and problem gambling among video game-playing adolescents, as well as regular video game playing among gamblers (Delfabbro et al, 2009;Griffiths, 1991;Gupta & Derevensky, 1996;Ladouceur & Dubé, 1995;Walther et al, 2012;Wood, Gupta, et al, 2004), we predicted that gamblers, relative to non-gamblers, would be more likely to play video games and that video game players would be more likely than non-players to gamble. The results suggest that gamblers were more likely than non-gamblers to play video games and that video game players were more likely than non-players to gamble.…”

“…Beyond these early initial studies, more recent research provides evidence for regular video game playing among gamblers and heavier involvement in video game play for adolescents at risk for gambling-related problems (Wood, Gupta, et al, 2004). Along with reported correlations between problem video game playing and gambling, individuals who self-reportedly excel at video gaming also self-report as being skilled at gambling (Delfabbro et al, 2009;Walther, Morgenstern, & Hanewinkel, 2012). Experimental studies have demonstrated that frequent video game players (N = 104, ages 9-14 years), in addition to reporting weekly gambling, wagered significantly greater amounts of money on an experimental blackjack task compared with those who did not play regularly (Gupta & Derevensky, 1996).…”

“…Increasing overlaps between online gambling and gaming practices and technologies are given as a strong example of media convergence (de Freitas & Griffiths, 2008;Griffiths, 2008aGriffiths, , 2008bKing et al, 2010King et al, , 2014King et al, , 2015. A large number of online video games incorporate gambling situations and games of chance within the game itself (e.g., Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption, Pokémon, Runescape, Fallout: New Vegas; King et al, 2014;King, Ejova, & Delfabbro, 2012;Walther et al, 2012). Some online video games (e.g., firstperson shooter games) pay players for every ''kill'' made, creating a potential to earn money (Harper, 2007).…”

Do gaming motives mediate between psychiatric symptoms and problematic gaming? An empirical survey study

“…Several studies have examined the relationship between problematic online gaming and mental health, especially psychological distress (e.g., Kim et al, 2016;King & Delfabbro, 2016;Son et al, 2013). Empirical studies have demonstrated that problematic online gaming has been associated with depression (Andreassen et al, 2016;Brunborg et al, 2014;Liau et al, 2015;Männikkö et al, 2015, Mentzoni et al, 2011Peng & Liu, 2010;Van Rooij et al, 2014;Wei et al, 2012), anxiety (Andreassen et al, 2016;Männikkö et al, 2015;Mentzoni et al, 2011), and social anxiety (Van Rooij et al, 2014;Walther et al, 2012;Wei et al, 2012). However, negative outcomes of excessive gaming affect only a minority of online gamers.…”